Institute for Ideas and Imagination Residential Program

The Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination invites applications for its 2027–2028 residential fellowship at Reid Hall in Paris.

The program brings together scholars, writers, artists, filmmakers, composers and other creative professionals from different countries and disciplines. Fellows receive time, financial support and an interdisciplinary environment in which to develop an independent project.

Eligible applicants

Applications are accepted in three categories:

• Tenured and tenure-track faculty members of Columbia University, Barnard College and Teachers College.

• Candidates who completed a PhD at Columbia University and defended their dissertation between September 2024 and December 31, 2026.

• Artists and creative professionals who are not affiliated with Columbia University and are not residing in the United States. This category includes visual and sound artists, filmmakers, composers and writers.

Projects may relate to the humanities, social sciences, the conceptual dimensions of natural and applied sciences, visual and sound arts, film, composition, literature and other interdisciplinary fields.

Funding and benefits

• A stipend of $75,000 for the full academic year.

• A private office at the Institute in Reid Hall.

• Access to Columbia University libraries.

• Access to associated research facilities in Paris and elsewhere.

• Participation in an international and interdisciplinary community of fellows.

• Opportunities to organize workshops, conferences and public events.

Please note that accommodation and travel expenses are not listed as separately covered benefits.

Program requirements

The fellowship is a residential program. Fellows are expected to live and work in Paris and participate regularly in the Institute’s community throughout the fellowship period.

Other professional commitments, including teaching, speaking engagements and extended research trips, should be kept to a minimum.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English. English is also the working language of the Institute.

Application materials

• Personal and educational information.

• CV.

• Project description of up to 1,500 words.

• A sample of previous work.

• Three new letters of recommendation.

Group applications are not accepted.

Program dates: September 1, 2027–May 31, 2028
Application deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM New York time